Recently the Wall Street Journal reported the Environmental Protection Agency would soon propose strict new rules for coal-fired power plants. This action represents another attack in President Obama's all-out war on coal.

Coal remains one of our nation's most abundant natural resources. Increased coal production can help reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and provide true American energy independence.

Coal currently serves as a reliable and affordable source of electricity for over 60 million homes and 3.4 million businesses nationwide. Almost 40 percent of the electricity in America is produced via coal-fired power plants. If President Obama and the bureaucrats at the EPA have their way, construction of future coal-fired power plants would be blocked, preventing Americans from obtaining cheap electricity.

Coal's benefits don't stop at providing reasonable electricity prices; it is also a job creator. The coal mining industry provides over 555,000 direct and indirect jobs for American workers. By proposing further restrictions on coal power plants, the Administration is not just waging a war on coal but also a war on jobs.

Coal remains especially important here in North Carolina. Over half of the electricity generated in the state is a result of coal. Additionally, the coal industry provides jobs to nearly 10,000 North Carolina workers including those at the Cliffside Steam Station in Cleveland County. With the fifth highest unemployment rate in the nation, we cannot afford to lose any good-paying jobs the industry provides.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pursue an all of the above energy policy. Only by pursuing every energy source available can America truly become energy independent.

Whether it is coal, nuclear, or renewable sources -- we must keep energy and electricity affordable for all Americans.

Congressman McHenry represents the 10 th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.